Mick Rock
(1948-2021), PhotographerMichael David ('Mick') Rock
Artist associated with 3 portraits
Mick Rock graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Modern Languages. Soon afterwards he attended the London Film School where his interest in photography grew. In the late 1960s he began to take publicity photographs for bands. In 1972 Rock met David Bowie and became his official photographer, interested in following Bowie's rise to fame. Rock's prominence in the world of Rock photography continued to strengthen and he produced some of the most iconic images of the 1970s including artists such as Lou Reed, Queen and Blondie. Between 1977 and 1983 he divided his time between London and New York before settling on Staten Island.
Queen (Roger Taylor (Roger Meddows-Taylor); John Deacon; Brian May; Freddie Mercury)
by Mick Rock
chromogenic print, 1974
On display in Room 28 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG P756
'Queen II' (John Deacon; Freddie Mercury; Brian May; Roger Taylor (Roger Meddows-Taylor))
by Michael David ('Mick') Rock, published by E.M.I. Records Limited
colour offset lithographic record sleeve, 1974
NPG D49524
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